Capital endorsement

The Capital’s endorsement may add impetus for some Democrats (and independents) to vote for Gov. Larry Hogan (The Capital, Oct. 21). Hogan is likable, offers an inspiring life story marked by determination and grit, and now brings to the job four years of executive experience ... all equally true of his Democratic challenger, Ben Jealous.

Significantly for Democratic and independent voters, however, a Hogan victory would strengthen and reward the Republican Party in Maryland and nationally, an outcome that should prompt a pause to consider the broader implications of this mid-term election vote.

Republican Larry Hogan has done what he told voters he would do four years ago on the day he was sworn in as governor of Maryland: govern from the middle.

He has accomplished this even as his national party is drawn down a well of outrage widening under Washington in the era of President Donald...

Today’s Republican Party daily finds new ways to undermine regulatory protections (and civil servants who implement them) for our air, water, national parks, public education, and retirement and health care security (including pre-existing conditions). This party now blesses ridiculing and demeaning the disabled, the judiciary, immigrants and refugees, women and minorities, and willfully separating young children from their parents.

This party’s tax policies enrich the wealthy at the expense of the middle class, growing a deficit that our grandchildren will inherit. This party slow walks, at best, any meaningful responses to gun violence in schools or even the butchery of journalists seeking to report the truth.

Any political victory strengthens the prevailing party and weakens the opposition, particularly when it’s a red victory in a blue state (or vice versa). The governor’s powers will impact redistricting, the budget, and the appointment of agency officials, commissions, and judges.

The governor also commands the state bully pulpit and Maryland’s next governor should choose and promote a party that his voters can live with. This is an especially inopportune time for Democratic and independent voters to send a hearty “attaboy” to the Republican Party, a conclusion which is echoed by a growing number of prominent conservative voices.

President Donald Trump recently urged his supporters to "pretend I'm on the ballot." In Maryland's critical mid-term election on Nov. 6, each Democratic and independent voter holds the power . . . and responsibility . . . to do just that.

ALLAN STEIN

Crownsville

Word choice

While the headline “National Republican group targets 15 Democrats running for Maryland House” is probably correct, the tone and intention behind the headline is deplorable (The Capital, Oct. 18).

American democracy is about the public discussion of issues and policies affecting each of us as citizens. Politics (aka “the governance of the people”) should not be about targeting a person or politician of any persuasion as if that person were an enemy of the people.

Inherent in the targeting message is violence, hurting a person or party because of a particular belief. Targeting suggests doing damage to a concept or idea that someone holds dear and should be aired and debated in the public square.

MARK W. KELLOGG

Severna Park

Gun violence

I commend The Capital on its efforts to have political candidates write about their plans to prevent the next mass shooting and reduce everyday gun violence here in Maryland.

For the most part, those columns provided fresh ideas and renewed commitments from those seeking elected office to keep our communities safe. But I believe The Capital should go one step further: a number of candidates seeking election or reelection have voting records on gun safety legislation from their time in the legislature.

Some have taken votes on important bills including the landmark 2013 legislation to ban the sale of assault weapons and add licensing requirement for the sale of handguns. The Capital could write about candidates' records, not just their promises.

After all, there is no better indicator of how they will vote in the future, then their votes in the past. Thank you so much for everything you are doing to keep the discussion focused on solutions and holding our elected officials accountable.